formaldehyde

[ fawr-mal-duh-hahyd, fer- ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a colorless, toxic, potentially carcinogenic, water-soluble gas, CH 2 O, having a suffocating odor, usually derived from methyl alcohol by oxidation: used chiefly in aqueous solution, as a disinfectant and preservative, and in the manufacture of various resins and plastics.

formaldehyde

/ fɔːˈmældɪˌhaɪd /

noun

1. a colourless poisonous irritating gas with a pungent characteristic odour, made by the oxidation of methanol and used as formalin and in the manufacture of synthetic resins. Formula: HCHO Systematic namemethanal

formaldehyde

/ fôr-măl′də-hīd′ /

1. A colorless gas having a sharp, suffocating odor. It is used in making plastics and, when dissolved in a solution of water and methanol, to preserve biological specimens. Chemical formula: CH 2 O.

Word History and Origins

Origin of formaldehyde¹

1870–75; form(ic) + aldehyde; modeled on German Formaldehyd

Word History and Origins

Origin of formaldehyde¹

C19: form ( ic ) + aldehyde ; on the model of German Formaldehyd

Example Sentences

Oil wells emit likely carcinogens, including benzene and formaldehyde, and living near wells is linked to health problems including respiratory issues and preterm births, according to studies.

From Los Angeles Times

Gas stoves emit a variety of pollutants, including asphyxiating carbon monoxide, cancer-causing formaldehyde and benzene.

From Los Angeles Times

The preliminary hearing featured the snake, floating in formaldehyde, introduced as Exhibit 1.

From Los Angeles Times

Synthite has been on the site since the 1950s producing chemicals, including formaldehyde and chemicals used in agriculture.

From BBC

A study last year found Zyn and similar products contain low levels of harmful substances such as ammonia and formaldehyde.

From Seattle Times

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